The Electrical Density Gauge (EDG) is a nuclear-free alternative for determining the moisture and density of compacted soils used in road beds and foundations.

The Electrical Density Gauge (EDG) is a nuclear-free alternative for determining the moisture and density of compacted soils used in road beds and foundations. The EDG is a portable, battery-powered instrument capable of being used anywhere without the concerns and regulations associated with nuclear safety. Its user-friendly, step-by-step menu guides the user through each step of the testing procedure and cautions the user when values do not correspond to established curves for the material being tested. Easy-to-use, the EDG can be used as a construction aid to monitor day-to-day compaction operations by providing performance and measurement results highly comparable to those achieved with traditional methods, including the nuclear gauge and/or a sand-cone and oven moisture test combination. When conducting a test, the EDG measures and displays the results for wet and dry density, gravimetric moisture content and percent compaction.

The advantages of using the EDG are:

It does not require a highly-trained or licensed technician

It does not require special handling for shipping or the regulatory compliance for hazardous materials

The EDG measures the electrical dielectric properties and moisture levels of compacted soil using high, radio frequency traveling between darts driven into the soil being tested. The dart's depth of penetration positively determines the depth of measurement. Darts are available in 4", 6", 8", 10" and 12" lengths. In addition, the darts have been designed with a taper, which ensures a continual positive contact with the soil for accurate measurements.